2016 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Compared with other Nissan Pathfinder years
Typical for this model
37/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Nissan Pathfinder year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 28 of its 105 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Radiator cooling fan noise and failure (32 complaints, median 54,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 105filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 48,900miles, 64 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2016 Pathfinder most often describe a failing electric radiator cooling fan, which shows up as a loud clanking or helicopter-like noise and vibration when the A/C or heat is on, usually somewhere around 30,000-80,000 miles. A second common theme is a brake pedal that sinks to the floor and the vehicle creeping or rolling while stopped, which several owners say dealers could not reproduce or fully fix. Sunroof and rear glass shattering while driving, airbag occupancy sensor issues after the recall repair, and a hood latch that will not stay secured round out the reports.
- Engine
Radiator cooling fan noise and failure
- 32 complaints (30%)
- median 54,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $936 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners describe a loud clanking, rattling, humming or helicopter-like noise and vibration from the front of the vehicle that appears when the air conditioning or heater is on, whether parked or moving. Dealers and mechanics typically diagnosed a failed cooling fan assembly or fan bearing and quoted repairs in the several-hundred to over-a-thousand-dollar range, and several owners said the service staff described it as a frequent issue on this model. Some owners also report the engine temperature climbing with the fan out, and a few mention the fan rubbing against the shroud. Mostly reported between about 29,000 and 85,000 miles, with several under 50,000 miles.
What to check: With the engine running, turn on the A/C and heat and listen for rattling, clanking or humming from the front; ask whether the cooling fan assembly has been replaced and keep the engine temperature gauge in view on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The radiator fan and shroud assembly and I cannot find replacement parts at any dealer, auto parts store nor junk yard due to so many people needing these parts replaced. I was told they are on backorder and dont know when they will have replacement parts. I was told by a certified mechanic that the car could overheat and stall if these parts are not replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11082648, filed 2018-04, 43,000 miles“Loud clicking noise in the engine both while driving and idling in park. After researching it, I found out that is the fan hitting the shroud and it needs to be replaced. The part is anywhere from $200-600 and that doesn't include labor. I bought this car brand new, always kept up on the maintenance and of course my extended warranty ran out last week and now this happens. :(”
NHTSA complaint #11164764, filed 2019-01, 76,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal fades to the floor
- 9 complaints (9%)
- median 52,350 mi at 4.6 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2023
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking all the way down, sometimes intermittently, while stopping or while sitting still at a light, with the vehicle creeping or rolling forward until the driver pumps the pedal or shifts into park. In some reports the pedal went to the floor while driving and stopping distance increased. Owners say dealers often found no fluid leak or could not reproduce the problem; some had the master cylinder replaced and the symptom returned. Mostly reported between about 23,000 and 81,000 miles, often after the vehicle has been driven a while and is warm.
What to check: Hold firm pressure on the brake pedal at a stop and see whether it slowly sinks; ask for service records showing brake fluid level checks and any master cylinder or hydraulic work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving down the highway when suddenly my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I was approximately 10 miles from home. My husband checked and it was out of brake fluid. He added fluid so I could get to the dealer, approx. 35 miles away. They said there was nothing wrong and that it probably was not out of brake fluid. It was.”
NHTSA complaint #11089824, filed 2018-04, 18,000 miles“The electric cooling fan bearings failed at 62,000 miles. The Nissan dealership that diagnosed the problem stated that it is common for this vehicle to experience this part failure. I replaced at my own expense with an aftermarket assembly that has a lifetime warranty. It doesn't make sense to replace with another Nissan part that will fail in another 50,000 +/- miles. Also, brake pedal will fade when stopped at an intersection with 62,000 miles on vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11338365, filed 2020-07, 62,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Sunroof or rear glass shattering
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 30,726 mi at 2.5 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2022
Owners report the panoramic sunroof or rear windshield suddenly breaking outward or inward while driving, without any impact, sometimes at highway speed, with glass landing inside the cabin or falling onto the road. Complaints describe dealers declining repairs because the vehicle was outside the mileage or time warranty. Reported from low mileage up to roughly 38,000 miles, often during highway driving.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof and both rear glass panels for chips, edge cracks or prior replacement, and ask whether any glass has been replaced under warranty.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving I noticed unexplained sounds from the rear of the vehicle. I pulled over and a passenger in the backseat opened and closed the door. When the door was shut the noise was heard. The cation was repeated and we noted the noise was coming from overhead in the backseat area. I got out of the car and found that the panoramic sunroof had exploded for no apparent reason. Nothing had come in contact with it. The broken glass was contained in the closed shade.”
NHTSA complaint #11184663, filed 2019-03, 30,726 miles“I was driving home from work on the interstate and my sunroof exploded. Glass was everywhere inside the vehicle and myself. It sounded like a shotgun.”
NHTSA complaint #11268720, filed 2019-10, 50,457 miles - Air bags
Passenger airbag sensor shows OFF with someone seated
- 15 complaints (14%)
- median 14,500 mi at 2.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2024
Complaints describe the passenger airbag indicator showing the airbag as off even with an adult in the front seat, often intermittently and sometimes clearing after a restart. Several owners say the condition returned after the occupant classification sensor recall repair was performed, and dealers variously adjusted the system, found no fault, or replaced parts without a lasting fix. Reported at very low mileage, from a few hundred to about 20,000 miles, and recurring over time.
Recall 16V2440003 related service bulletins
What to check: With an adult seated in the front passenger seat, confirm the airbag status light shows ON, and ask for documentation that recall 16V244000 was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was the person who first filed the airbag issue on NHTSA. Finally today, the issue was patched .I say patched not fixed since now the airbag off light is always on in my car which does not match the manual of my vehicle.a bigger issue though is that this confuses us into thinking the similarly orange colored cross traffic light on the passenger side is on and twice out of two times we almost had a crash due to that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10934872, filed 2016-12, 9,000 miles“Nhtsa recall 16v-244 has not been resolved due to unavailability of corrective parts, as I understand it. The recall dates from 24may2016. About 15-20% of the time adult passengers are present in the front passenger seat, the warning light indicates that the ocs system has deactivated the passenger side airbag. How much longer will Nissan be allowed to avoid corrective action while passengers in the affected vehicles are exposed to greater than necessary risk of injury?”
NHTSA complaint #11035581, filed 2017-10, 25 miles
Buying note. On a used 2016 Pathfinder, budget for a cooling fan assembly and test the brakes thoroughly at a stop, since both come up repeatedly in owner reports. Confirm any open recalls were completed and check the airbag status light with a passenger seated.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 105 consumer complaints for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. 64 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 48,900 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 202 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Pathfinder model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 37 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine27 26%
- Other or unknown23 22%
- Air bags18 17%
- Brakes14 13%
- Electrical system11 10%
- Wheels4 3.8%
- Seats3 2.9%
Also reported: Steering (3), Body and structure (3), Suspension (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I drove up to 16,000 miles and then the engine suddenly made a weird sound. I went to 2 Nissan dealerships to check it out and it said it was normal for 2016 Pathfinder.but while driving sometimes it will cause a humming noise like a bee and its really annoying, I went to check it out and it said it was normal, what do I do now?”
NHTSA complaint #11084475, filed 2018-04, 22,627 milesOther or unknown: “When I turned on my AC, it sounds like a helicopter. I was told it's the cooling fan and that it'll cost over $1000 to fix. This seems to be a common issue with these cars. My car has 80,000 miles. My 2007 camry has over 290,000 and never had this issue. I also owned a honda pilot with over 300,000 and never an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11307419, filed 2020-02, 79,000 milesAir bags: “Nhtsa campaign number: 15v681000 component(s): air bags the above issue was also seen on my 2016 Pathfinder sl tech purchased less than 1 month ago. The issue happens about 10% of the time. To resolve I have to power cycle the car...”
NHTSA complaint #10854052, filed 2016-04, 520 milesBrakes: “While sitting at a red light my car started to move. The brake pedal went to the floor and the emergency brake would not work or click in. The car would not stop when placing it in neutral either. My car would only stop after placing it in park. Luckily no motor vehicle accident occurred. My brake pads are in good shape, brake fluid is full. I took my car to a local Nissan dealer and they can also find nothing wrong. This is worrisome as this can be fatal if I was driving at a fast speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11115675, filed 2018-08, 14,800 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 64 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 21,000 and 62,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Pathfinder · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Nissan Pathfinder version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V420000Jun 13, 2022Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Pathfinder vehicles. On certain Pathfinder vehicles, the secondary hood latch may malfunction and remain in the unlatched, unsecured, position when the hood is closed.
- 16V244000Apr 26, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Nissan Pathfinder 2013–2016, Altima 2013–2016, Sentra 2013–2016 +14 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and…
Recall details for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE21022Hood Latch/Bell Crank AssemblyClosed · Dec 9, 2021
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 202 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031720Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11001192Jun 7, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Pathfinder
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 | 76,900 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 56 | 9,000 | 1 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 86 | 13,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 107 | 15,800 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 69 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 136 | 11,500 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 53 | 19,700 | 0 | 5 | 23 | 7 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 76 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 78 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 188 | 42,710 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 105 | 48,900 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 321 | 44,254 | 5 | 5 | 23 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 576 | 47,500 | 11 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 891 | 15,000 | 11 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 23 | 87,000 | 2 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 45 | 46,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 40 | 111,386 | 4 | — | 18 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 91,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 328 | 106,534 | 4 | — | 17 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 561 | 99,123 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 837 | 93,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 90,024 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 67 | 76,684 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 110 | 100,750 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 230 | 99,782 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 112 | 124,697 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 104 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 149 | 112,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 217 | 113,400 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 159 | 121,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 170 | 127,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 91 | 127,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 49 | 141,500 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 123,698 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 39 | 157,016 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 38 | 192,412 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | 148,000 | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 19 | — | 2 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
All Nissan Pathfinder model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?
Owners of the 2016 Pathfinder most often describe a failing electric radiator cooling fan, which shows up as a loud clanking or helicopter-like noise and vibration when the A/C or heat is on, usually somewhere around 30,000-80,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Radiator cooling fan noise and failure; Brake pedal fades to the floor; Sunroof or rear glass shattering.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder have?
NHTSA recorded 105 consumer complaints for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 27 complaints (26% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 23.
Has the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder (Pathfinder 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder reported?
Among the 64 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 48,900 miles and the middle half falls between 21,000 and 62,000 miles; 52% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.